"...When Princess Masako joined a kindergarten trip a few years ago, it started raining and she didnt know what to do. None of the other mothers spoke to her or gave her a hand. It showed the communication between them wasnt working well at that time....

If with all their selecting they cannot even make sure that the carefully selected mothers of the carefully selected pupils know as much of good manners as to offer their future empress an umbrella when it starts raining I“d propose they“d give it up altogether! Every commoner  Japanese or foreigner  would have had as much politeness...

Seriously, it is depressing to see how an article on such a joyful occasion as this, of a little girl healthily growing up and entering school, can be made in nearly every sentence into an attack against her mother. I must say, if I have to choose I“d even prefer to this those Masako-ruins-Japanese-economy-by-dining-in-expensive-restaurants-articles as they are, at least, straightforward and without this sickening tone of false pity, and first and foremost, because they leave her daughter out of this. It really seems that they would rejoice if Aiko would turn out to be stupid or mentally ill because that would prove them right in their doom-and-gloom-talking of such a mother as her“s only causing problems.

Princess Aiko, accompanied by her parents Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako. arrives to attend her entrance ceremony at the Gakushuin Primary School in Tokyo Thursday, April 10, 2008.
Photos:Daylife

It is great to see the Crown Princely couple and Princess Aiko smiling. Given some negativity surrounding this event, I hope Princess Aiko and her parents will have a good experience with these elite school.

__________________"I never did mind about the little things"
Amanda, "Point of No Return"

Princess Aiko has the chicken pox. Story from Mainichi Daily News on May 2, 2008

Princess Aiko has chicken pox

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, has chicken pox, the Imperial Household Agency announced on Monday.
The 6-year-old princess broke out in a rash on Friday and developed a slight fever over the weekend, when the rash spread and formed blisters.
Her rash and fever both subsided on Monday, but she will not attend classes at Gakushuin Primary School and instead will rest at her home in Tokyo's Togu Palace until she has completely recovered, the agency said.

Princess Aiko has the chicken pox. Story from Mainichi Daily News on May 2, 2008

Princess Aiko has chicken pox

Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, has chicken pox, the Imperial Household Agency announced on Monday.
The 6-year-old princess broke out in a rash on Friday and developed a slight fever over the weekend, when the rash spread and formed blisters.
Her rash and fever both subsided on Monday, but she will not attend classes at Gakushuin Primary School and instead will rest at her home in Tokyo's Togu Palace until she has completely recovered, the agency said.

I hope she'll get better soon and enjoy her joyful day school again

__________________"You might have fears and worries about joining The Imperial Family but I will take the best possible care of your heart and I will protect you my entire life"

Japan's Princess Aiko walks with her mother Masako as they visit
an aquarium in Tokyo on May 19, 2008. Princess Aiko entered an
elementary school and enjoyed an excursion with her school friend
during the day

Japan's Princess Aiko walks with her mother Masako as they visit
an aquarium in Tokyo on May 19, 2008. Princess Aiko entered an
elementary school and enjoyed an excursion with her school friend
during the day